On 3 March 2026, Te Rūnanga Whāiti met in Wellington for its quarterly hui on behalf of Te Rūnanganui. Members discussed motions from the 2025 Rūnanganui Hui, General Synod representation, ngā Hui Amorangi reports, and general business.
The hui welcomed both continuity and new energy. Matanuku Mahuika now serves as Chancellor for Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa, bringing clarity to matters of canon and process. Dr Doris Kaua joined as a representative of Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, while Rev Hera Clarke and Ven Ngira Simmonds took up roles for Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Manawa o Te Wheke. Caroline Seligman and Christian Williams attended for the Henry & William Williams Memorial Trust.
Much of the morning focused on General Synod representation for the 2026 provincial General Synod hui in Tonga this August. Matanuku noted that the canons require representatives to be confirmed two months before General Synod.
Reports from across ngā Hui Amorangi revealed both the challenges facing our communities and the vitality of ministry taking shape in every region.
The Te Tairāwhiti update reflected on flood recovery and on the more modest centenary celebration for St Mary’s Tikitiki, whose 100th anniversary was marked after stormy weather. A larger celebration is planned for later this year. Rev. Ruawhaitiri Mahue was acknowledged for holding daily karakia for the township of Te Araroa as families faced the loss of homes and the reality of relocation. The update also spoke of Te Tairāwhiti’s successful AGM at Ōmāhu Marae, and of the Amorangi’s restructure into a two-rohe system, Northern Iwi and Southern Iwi, under the leadership of two new Archdeacons.
From Te Waipounamu came an update on preparations for the Electoral College, alongside celebration of strong education programmes across the Amorangi. It was noted that the first cohort of Te Takawai is nearing graduation, and that enrolments in Kura Raumati had tripled this year, rising to 19 students. A mihi was also offered to Archbishop Don for the resources he developed for the three weeks of prayer as Te Waipounamu discerns a new Pīhopa. Strong interest across the Hui Amorangi in the Electoral College was noted, with wider public and media attention also expected.
The update for Te Upoko o Te Ika highlighted Te Takawai as a major strength. Six new students have joined the programme, including the first two from Tikanga Pākehā, bringing total enrolment to 13. Alongside Te Takawai, a three-year Kaikarakia pathway is also underway. The update also spoke of substantial governance work taking place, with safeguarding remaining a clear priority. The recent Council of Anglican Women Studies hui was also shared as a gathering focused on hope and diversity.
The Te Manawa o Te Wheke update spoke of hopes to draw people back into the life of the Amorangi and to strengthen outreach. It reflected on a recent and overdue hui of the Amorangi as a meaningful time of whanaungatanga, connection, and shared memories.
The Te Taitokerau update spoke of a recent rangatahi camp, attended largely by mokopuna, and of the intentional work being done to bring mokopuna into Sunday worship. Other initiatives include a Tuakana Teina pilot for rangatahi, Healthy Church workshops for clergy, and a night market that drew around 8,000 people.
News was also shared of an upcoming commemorative service at Waiapu Cathedral on 19 April 2026, marking 200 years since the arrival of William and Jane.
The hui closed with gratitude, including acknowledgment of Matanuku’s new role and appreciation for David Stone who carried the responsibility before him. Beneath the procedural detail lay a consistent theme of ‘mahia te mahi’ for the year ahead.